Bukharian candidate takes plunge, drops out

Lilianna Zulunova, the 26-year-old Forest Hills resident who sought to be the first Bukharian Jew elected to statewide office has dropped out of the State Assembly race.

The surprise announcement on May 7 followed by four days the candidate’s marriage to Rabbi Emanuel Yelizarov. “My obligations as a wife, and eventually as a mother, give me certainty that this is the right decision for me at this time,” Zulunova said.

The LaGuardia Community College adjunct previously worked as a staffer for State Senators John Sabini and Malcolm Smith, who was the senate majority leader at the time. She was to face off against incumbent Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi for the seat representing Rego Park, Forest Hills, and Middle Village. Hevesi still faces a primary challenge from attorney Joseph Fox, and Republican Alex Powietrzynski.

Yelizarov leads services at the Lefrak City synagogue, where Zulunova once lived. Since her engagement, Zulunova has become more observant, and said she looked forward to living in a kosher, Sabbath-observing relationship.

Zulunova said that she will not rule out a possible future run for office, but for now, wishes to spend more of her time as a newlywed, “putting my family first.”

“I still have a passion for public service,” said Zulunova. “I still yearn to serve my neighbors and my community.”